Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Artist Review: Matthias Pliessnig

Matthias Pliessnig is a furniture designer. His works focus on using steamed bend wood. I find his work helpful in providing me ideas with constructing bend wood forms. He got his inspiration from boatbuilding techniques, particularly steam bending of wood strips around a mold, and classic modernist furniture.



Source: http://www.matthias-studio.com/

Friday, April 15, 2011

Artist Review: Wendell Castle





Wendell Castle is an American furniture artist. I learned about him from a friend of mine who is currently studying Industrial Design at RIT. His works are often organic and whimsical. And his works are crafted from hardwoods, plastics, veneers, and metals. In 1962-1969, he taught at RIT, School for American Craftsment, in Rochester. Here are his 10 "adopted rules of thumb" that i think are applicable in any artistic pursuit:

1. If you are in love with an idea, you are no judge of its beauty or value.
2. It is difficult to see the whole picture when you are inside the frame.
3. After learning the tricks of the trade, don't think you know the trade.
4. We see and apprehend what we already know.
5. The dog that stays on the porch will find no bones.
6. Never state a problem to yourself in the terms it was brought to you.
7. If it's offbeat or surprising then it's probably useful.
8. If you do not expect the unexpected, you will not find it.
9. Don't get too serious.
10. (And my personal favourite...) If you hit the bullseye everytime, then the target is probably too near.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Artist Review: Hans J Wegner




The "Peacock" chair(1947) was inspired by the traditional "Windsor" chair.



Wegner is one of the most prolific designers in Denmark. His design shows its own uniqueness and focuses on practical and comfortable. His works are not only beautiful and elegant but also durable. He is best known for his chairs. Here are some of my favorites design:



Sources: http://www.scandinaviandesign.com/hans_wegner/